DEPUTY'S DESK

WELCOME BACK TO TERM 3

Parenting Issues

Steve Biddulph writes for the Sunday Age newspaper and has been a leading thinker and author on a range of parenting issues over many years. Last Sunday there was an article on ‘Dads just need to show daughters they're special’.  This is well worth a read by parents.  A search of ‘Steve Biddulph’ will provide a range of excellent articles on parenting issues that may be of value to many families.

The Year 12 Retreat

Staff who attended the Year 12 Retreat would like to thank families for the opportunity to spend a great week with such wonderful young men and women. We have seen these students grow from Year 7 through the school until now they are preparing to move beyond secondary school to start an adult phase of their lives.

Parents should be very proud of their maturing children who conducted themselves with friendliness, compassion, thoughtfulness, insight, openness and energy during a demanding week of physical activities like surfing, high ropes and mountain bike riding. Key to the week were the many challenging small and whole group discussions and reflections which focussed on relationships, the journey of life, faith and values.

The Retreat was led by Fr Ray Sanchez who was able to connect with students in such a way that he brought out the best in them. Our generous and sensitive staff who worked with the students enabled all students to have the opportunities to share openly and safely in small groups. These staff members: Sheryl Abraham, Fiona Pike, George Paolucci, Kevin Aston, Rebecca Paget, Rose op’t Hoog and Jodie Birnie need to be especially acknowledged for their involvement that enabled the week to be such as success.

Thank you to parents for the letters that were written to students. These were powerful statements of how our young men and women are loved and respected within their families. We are sure that it was challenging and rewarding for parents. Just remember to do it again at appropriate times in their lives!

Dr Tony Finn

Deputy Principal, Community